Blood sugar and weight loss are two important factors that play a significant role in our overall health. Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and achieving a healthy weight is crucial in preventing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. This is especially important for women, as they have unique health needs and are often more susceptible to developing certain health conditions. In this blog, I will be sharing some key information that all women should know about blood sugar and weight loss. We will also discuss some practical tips on how to manage these factors and improve overall health.
Understanding Blood Sugar
Before we get into the relationship between blood sugar and weight loss, let’s first understand what blood sugar is. Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is the primary source of energy for our bodies. It comes from the food we eat and is carried throughout the body by our blood. Our cells use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to absorb and use glucose for energy.
The Role of Insulin
Insulin plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. When we eat carbohydrates, our bodies break them down into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. As the blood sugar level rises, the pancreas releases insulin to help move the glucose from the blood into our cells for energy use. Insulin also helps store excess glucose in the liver and muscles for later use. The goal is to keep our blood sugar levels stable, neither too high nor too low.
The Connection Between Blood Sugar and Weight Loss
Now that we know what blood sugar is let’s look at how it affects our weight. When our body has high blood sugar levels, the excess glucose gets stored as fat in our cells. This can lead to weight gain and even obesity over time. High blood sugar levels also disrupt our hormones, making it difficult for us to lose weight. It can impair the functioning of our thyroid gland, which is accountable for regulating metabolism, and also increase insulin resistance, making it harder for our body to burn fat.
Many women may also experience cravings for sugary or high-carb foods when they have high blood sugar levels. This is because our body craves even more glucose to balance out the high levels, leading to a vicious cycle of overeating and weight gain, as a result, I always advise my patients to keep a check on their blood sugar levels. When our blood sugar is under control, we will be able to keep a healthy weight easily. But then it’s not just about high blood sugar levels; low blood sugar levels can also interfere with our weight loss journey.
When we have low blood sugar, our body goes into a state of stress and releases cortisol, known as the stress hormone, which can lead to weight gain. Stress eating is something that many women tend to indulge in, and it’s not just because of emotional reasons. I have seen many of my clients during the menstrual cycle struggling with food cravings, especially for sugary foods. It can be challenging to resist these cravings, however, indulging in them can further worsen the blood sugar levels and affect our weight.
Overall, be it high or low, imbalanced blood sugar levels can hinder our weight loss goals. Therefore, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. It is important to note that increased blood sugar will not always show up on your labs as early on in this dynamic, you will accommodate for your higher blood sugar levels. By the time you do see lab changes, we are starting to see other effects in the body like extra fat tissue, high blood pressure, and mood changes (anxiety, depression, fatigue).
How to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels for Weight Loss?
The good news is that there are ways to maintain healthy blood sugar levels for weight loss. The first step is to have a balanced and healthy diet. Avoid foods that are high in refined sugars and carbohydrates, and instead opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Regular exercise is also important as it helps our body process glucose more efficiently and can improve insulin sensitivity.
Another essential aspect is managing stress levels. I understand that life can get hectic and stressful, but it’s crucial to find healthy ways to deal with it instead of turning to food. Incorporating stress-relieving activities that decrease cortisol and allow for your body to process your sugar rather than store it will be the foundation of your healthy living. Activities like meditation, yoga, or even going for a walk can do wonders in balancing our blood sugar levels and aiding in weight loss.
Lastly, as women, we need to pay attention to our menstrual cycles. Hormonal changes during this time can impact our appetite and cravings, making it easier for us to give in to unhealthy food choices. Hormones directly impact our neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, that affect our mood, memory, and cognition along with energy levels. Learning to listen to our body’s needs, along with healthy weight loss habits, can help us maintain healthy blood sugar levels. So, girl, don’t forget to give your body some extra care during this time of the month.
Read more: Does Meditation Help You Lose Weight?
Wrapping Up
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for weight loss, especially for women. It’s crucial to understand the impact of high and low blood sugar levels on our body and how it can affect our weight. With a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress levels, and paying attention to our menstrual cycles, we can achieve and maintain a healthy weight while also promoting overall wellness. So, if you are struggling with weight loss, don’t forget to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels. You may also visit my weight loss medical clinic in Spokane to get personalized guidance and support on your journey toward a healthier you. Remember, your health is in your hands!
